419 Dive Log Australasia AUGUST 2026

Larger and consistently impressive are the endangered grey nurse sharks that congregate year- round in several locations. They can even be spotted right beside the southern break-wall near the fish cleaning stations. Between November and May, the water is at its warmest and clearest and the grey nurse aggregations appear most numerous, with frequent sightings of between 10-30 sharks; up to 50 on exceptional occasions. The grey nurse are endearingly calm and curious companions in the water, typically going about their business of cruising along the reef or resting in the current, oblivious to humans. Local dive operators offer gear hire and run dedicated snorkelling tours. Depending on logistics and conditions, confident snorkelers are welcome to join dive trips with Forster Dive Centre. Tides and conditions in the fish and dolphin - rich channel connecting Wallis Lake with the ocean can be tricky – I’m keen to explore these rock walls but will feel more comfortable doing it with a knowledgeable guide.

Green Turtle

A few of my favourite easily- accessed snorkelling spots include: Hayden’s Rock: Something of a grey nurse shark social hub, this rocky outcrop offers an easily accessed adrenaline rush. Launching into the water at Pebbly Beach, just south of the main Forster beach and large ocean baths (itself a popular spot to commence a snorkel around rocks stretching south), Hayden’s Rock lies surprisingly – and very pleasantly- close to shore.

85

Dive Log Australasia #419 August ’26

www.divelog.net.au